endurance
en-DUR-unss
/ɪnˈdjʊərəns/
The fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.
In sports, it specifically refers to stamina and the ability to perform for long periods.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'indurare', meaning to make hard. It suggests that through suffering, one becomes 'hardened' and able to withstand more.
Word relationships
- stamina: Stamina is the energy to keep going; endurance is the ability to withstand the hardship.
- fragility: The quality of being easily broken or exhausted.
Commonly confused with
- durability: Durability is for objects; endurance is for living things.
Word family
- endure (verb): To suffer patiently.
- enduring (adjective): Lasting over a long period.
Collocations
- physical endurance
- mental endurance
- endurance race
Example sentences
- "Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory." Motivational quote (William Barclay)
- "Long-distance swimming is the ultimate test of cardiovascular endurance." Training plan
Memory hook
To 'endure' is to stay 'during' the whole race. Endure = Last long.
When not to use
Don't use for short bursts of power; that is 'strength' or 'sprint'.
Fun facts
- The longest non-stop ocean swim on record lasted over 67 hours.
Explore more words
endure, perseverance, fortitude, hardship, stoic, long-suffering
Also appears in
- Travel & Culture → Adventure Sports & Recreation
- Health Sciences → Sedentary Lifestyles & Exercise
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Track & Field Athletics
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Winter & Ice Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Racket & Court Sports
- Sports, Athletics & Recreation → Motor & Racing Sports
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